Liverpool in talks with Alex Pearce

It has been reported this afternoon that Liverpool Managing Director Iain Ayre has met with representatives of Reading defender Alex Pearce regarding a move to the club.

The centre back came through the academy at the Madejski Stadium, and was given his first team birth by current Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers, who once described him as the next John Terry.

Rodgers has always rated the physical defender, who is capable of scoring a few goals per season, with his strong aerial ability.

He is however extremely slow and very uncomfortable on the ball. Under pressure he regularly plays it safe and kicks the ball forward, or out for a throw in, and with Rodgers playing a possession game, it’s a strange move to sign a player who has just been relegated with Reading.

Pearce will move on a bosman free transfer, and has rejected notable contract offers from Reading this season, which has led him to being frozen out of the first team picture.

Being a Reading fan, I personally don’t think he is anywhere near Liverpool quality, but without paying a fee, it’s a low risk signing for the club, and will help cover the burden left by the departing Jamie Carragher.